Stigma and Bipolar Disorder

Transcription

1 A Resource for Consumers Stigma and Stigma can occur when people unfairly judge others. People living with bipolar disorder can feel stigma related to their condition. However, there may be ways to address stigma to help improve your health and wellbeing. Frameworks resources are intended for educational purposes only and are intended for healthcare professionals and/or payer representatives who may choose to share some of these resources with patients or their caregivers. Healthcare professionals should use independent medical judgment when considering Frameworks educational resources. Patients and caregivers should discuss Frameworks materials with a healthcare professional. They are not intended as, nor are they a replacement for, medical advice and treatment from a healthcare professional. Frameworks is sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. February 2018 MRC2.UNB.X.00124

2 Stigma and Consumers with mental illness, such as those who have bipolar disorder, can experience stigma which may negatively impact their care. While working to manage the symptoms of their disease, consumers who experience stigma are also faced with combating stereotypes and misconceptions associated with their illness. Did You Know? Consumers with bipolar disorder may feel stigmatized for their disorder. Bipolar I disorder will affect approximately 4.9 million adult Americans over the course of their lifetime Bipolar I disorder affects men and women equally Bipolar I disorder can be diagnosed at any age. However, the onset of bipolar typically begins between the ages of Bipolar disorder can affect anyone. It appears to have a genetic link, and a family history of bipolar disorder is a strong risk factor; however, it does affect all races and social classes Consumers with bipolar disorder may feel stigmatized for their disorder. Although there are not many studies that focus specifically on stigma and consumers with bipolar disorder, there is substantial research related to stigma and mental illnesses. This resource is based upon this knowledge and the belief that consumers with bipolar disorder may be subject to the same types of stigma as those consumers with other mental illnesses. 2

3 Treatment and Stigma Stigma is frequently cited as a barrier to mental healthcare and is associated with a reduction in seeking treatment. The healthcare environment itself is an environment in which consumers with mental illness may experience stigma and discrimination. For consumers with mental illness, stigma can lead to: Effective treatment usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy (also called talk therapy ). Increased likelihood of self-silence Inadequate access to proper treatment Less treatment compliance Greater avoidance of healthcare services Treatment helps many consumers even those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder gain better control of their mood swings and other bipolar symptoms. It is important to talk with your doctor about stigma because it can impact many areas of your life and sometimes lead to consumers stopping treatment for their condition. However, positive wellness and health outcomes may be possible if consumers continue treatment and medication as prescribed by their doctor. 3

4 Some strategies to consider to support your treatment include: Peer support: Ask your doctor or your health insurer if a care management or peer support program is available. Talking to other consumers who have bipolar disorder may help you better understand your symptoms. Additionally, groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance may have local and online support groups for your area Automatic prescription refills: Many pharmacies and health insurers offer automatic refills of medications. Some prescriptions can even be delivered by mail right to your door. This makes it easier to receive your medications without others knowing, if that is a concern you have Psychiatric Advanced Directive: You can continue to make your wishes about your care known if you are ill by having a Psychiatric Advanced Directive (PAD). A PAD outlines your desires when you are unable to do so yourself Talking to Others Telling family, friends, and coworkers about your illness might be a positive experience. It can help them understand what bipolar disorder is and how it affects you. This can help reduce stigma about your illness. It can also improve your self-confidence. If you hide your illness from people you care about, you may feel worse. Talking about your illness can make it easier to get the support you need. 4

5 Types of Stigma Public stigma occurs when people endorse the stereotypes of mental illness and act upon them in an unfair and discriminatory manner. For some consumers living with bipolar disorder, stigma brought on by others can affect their sense of self. Consumers may experience self-stigma. Self-stigma is when people unfairly judge themselves. This can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of shame or embarrassment, or lower their belief that they are capable of doing something. They may also experience structural stigma, which refers to institutional practices that limit a consumer s opportunities and resources. Consumers with mental illness may experience label avoidance, which means they may not seek care because they are concerned they will be labeled. Feelings of stigma can be brought on by many triggers, including: Stigma brought on by others Being rejected by others due to the illness Experiencing discrimination Negative portrayals of people with mental illness in the media Self-stigma Feeling like you do not fit in Label avoidance Not seeking care because of a concern that you will be labeled Structural stigma A limit on your ability to hold public office or serve on a jury Limits on parental custody Limits on ability to vote 5

6 Questions? Concerns? Never hesitate to ask. You have a right to know everything about your health and your care. If you have any questions or concerns about your condition or your care, ask your doctor or a member of your treatment team right away. They are there to help you Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. February 2018 MRC2.UNB.X.00124